Virgin’s zen meditation approach to the fear of flying

Virgin Australia is positioning itself as the carrier for ‘anxious flyers’ with a world-first foray into mindfulness in flight.

Sir Richard Branson hosts the world’s first meditation flight. Picture: AAP

Virgin Australia is positioning itself as the carrier for “anxious flyers” with a world-first foray into mindfulness and guided meditation in flight.

The initiative was launched yesterday with the help of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, who joined a range of guests in a meditation session during a one-hour flight from Sydney over the ­Pacific Ocean.

The guided meditation programs available through the in-flight entertainment system were devised by not-for-profit mindfulness organisation Smiling Mind.

Chief executive Addie Wootten said research had shown meditation practised before and during a flight could help ease the anxiety of nervous travellers.

“Fear of flying is actually quite a cognitive thing so there are thoughts and worries that come up in the mind that predict the worst happening,” Dr Wootten said. “Mindfulness actually trains the mind not to entertain those thoughts as much as we might normally and to focus on the present moment, so it can have a big impact.”

An estimated seven passengers on every Boeing 737 suffer from anxiety in the air, and Dr Wootten said meditation could help on a variety of levels.

“Research shows that it impacts on areas of the brain that help us focus,” she said.

“Interpersonally, it also helps us build the skills we need to connect to people and to be authentic and be focused and aware while talking to someone.”

Sir Richard said he normally fell asleep while trying to meditate, but was keen to explore the benefits of the practice.

“My son is going to try to teach me properly, I’d love to learn,” said Sir Richard, who also participated in a yoga class at the Virgin Australia lounge.

The program may even be adopted by other Virgin airlines, with Sir Richard keen to promote a sharing of ideas among the ­carriers.

He also revealed his preferred method of “de-stressing” was exercise, including kite surfing, hiking and “a hard game of singles tennis every morning and night”.

At 68 years of age, he said he was not ready to slow down.

“As long as the body continues to perform as it is, I will keep creating, and keep trying to battle some of the problems this world faces and still have a lot of fun doing it,” Sir Richard said.

“So I think nothing will slow down except when nature says it has to.”

The Smiling Mind meditation will also be made available to Virgin Australia staff to help promote good mental health in the workplace.